Hawks Top Celtics, Reach 10 Games Over .500 for First Time in 5 Years

Atlanta holds off late Celtics rally to secure key win as playoff race tightens.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:12am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract basketball game, with overlapping planes of the Hawks' red and gold colors and the Celtics' green and white hues.The Hawks' hard-fought victory over the Celtics showcases the intensity and competitive spirit of the NBA playoff race.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics 112-102 at State Farm Arena on Monday night, moving 10 games over .500 for the first time in five seasons. The Hawks led by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter but had to hold off a late Celtics surge to secure the victory.

Why it matters

The Hawks' win is an important milestone in their push for the playoffs, as they look to return to the postseason for the first time since 2023. The Celtics, meanwhile, are battling for positioning in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

The Hawks led 101-89 with 8:39 remaining, but the Celtics cut the deficit to just 8 points with under 2:42 left. However, the Hawks were able to hold on for the 10-point victory, improving their record to 43-33 on the season.

  • The game was played on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • The Hawks led by 12 points with 8:39 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The players

Jalen Johnson

Atlanta Hawks forward.

Hugo Gonzalez

Boston Celtics guard.

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What they’re saying

“We knew the Celtics would make a run, but we weathered the storm and got the win. That's huge for us as we make our playoff push.”

— Jalen Johnson, Hawks Forward

What’s next

The Hawks will look to build on this win as they continue their playoff push, with key games against fellow Eastern Conference contenders coming up on their schedule.

The takeaway

The Hawks' victory over the Celtics represents an important milestone in their quest to return to the playoffs for the first time in several years, as they continue to battle for position in the crowded Eastern Conference postseason race.